Hello Mike,
Congratulations on your recent surgery. Sounds like you're doing very well. I am a 64 yr.old woman and I have a mitral valve (anterior leaflet) that has worsened and requires surgery at this point. I have chosen the Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Marc Gillanov. I would love it if you would share with me your experiences with your doctors, nurses and the hospital in general. I live in Maine and will be flying to Cleveland for my first consult on Jan. 18th. I'll know more about a surgery date at that time. I might add that I am very scared - terrified! When you woke up was the vent tube still in place? Did they allow your wife to spend the night with you in ICU? Anything you can share would be greatly appreciated. I don't know how it works on this website, but you can email me directly if you like. Ruth Howell ruthjohnhowell@gmail.com Many thanks and keep up the great work on your recovery. Take it slow. Ruth

Wow, great to see you up and around!!!! I have to say, that December 7, 2010 photo, I had to do a double-take. You look very much like my father in that photo (a very good thing, hahahaha) Definitely can tell you two are cousins!

Again, great to read how incredible things have been going. God Bless..

Hey guys! Thanks for keeping us so updated. We are so glad to hear good news today and that you are out of the hospital!! :0) We are both very anxious to see you guys at Christmas! Have a safe trip home! Love you both very much!!!
Love, Jeff and Jenna

Way to go Mike! So happy you are getting out and feeling good. You look super in that picture.

Drive carefully. Think you will find that being home is a real boost although the crew at CC does and incredible job of taking care of you. And they have amazing surgeons who patch us up to new condition!

I am almost five months post-surgery at CC and couldn't be doing much better. I felt back to 90% within two weeks - hope you are on the same track!

As promised, I set my Outlook reminder ib Dec 1st and every hour, I stopped and prayed for you, Mike. I'm happy the surgery went well and you're recovery is going great!
Hopefully, you'll feel pretty good for all of the Christmas festivities! Merry Christmas to you both and to your family.
You all continue to be in my prayers, Wilda

Dad, Looking GOOD!!! Keep up the hard work! You will be out of there soon & I bet you can hardly wait. Soon :-) You have come along way in a short time. So glad to see you looking more like yourself. Can't wait to see you at home. We love you!!
Jenn,John & the boys

Good news continues. Thanks to God. A walking regimen will be challenging. Isn't it amazing how far the end of the hall can be? Seems like a mountain but it will get better. The more you walk the sooner they will let you go home!!
Jane

So glad to get the latest update. Sounds terrific. It's nice that you can be right there with him. It helps to know what is going on firsthand. I just hope you are getting some rest as well. Take care of yourself. Others are taking care of Mike.
Jane

HI MIKE GLAD TO HEAR YOUR SURGERY WENT SO WELL. MOM'S SURGERY WENT AS EXPECTED. SHE IS SORE AND GROGGY. IS IN THE PCU UNIT RIGHT NOW. DR. SAYS HE IS SURE THAT WHAT THEY REMOVED WAS CANCER BUT BELIEVES THEY GOT IT ALL. SHOULD NOT HAVE TO HAVE ANY FURTHER TREATMENTS. WILL BE IN THE HOSPITAL 3 TO 4 DAYS MINIMUM. I WILL TELL HER OF YOUR PROGRESS ALSO. WE WILL KEEP THOSE PRAYERS GOING BOTH WAYS. LOVE TO YOU AND MALINDA. SHEILA

What great news to hear that Mike can move to a regular room much sooner than expected. It reads as if yesterday was a LONG day for all of you. I am still praying! God has already blessed all of you this week and so glad that the noninvasive procedure was able to be used.

Great news. If Mike gets moved tomorrow he'll be in a private room which is really nice as you can stay as long as you want and he can get more rest without a room mate. I tell anyone I can that if they ever need heart surgery they need to go to the CC. Good thoughts coming from FL.
Fran

I am glad all went well. Aurora and I are happy that its all over. We love you and cant wait to see ya again. Now Aurora wants to type.... oo.//.ooooh fOvvvvvvvvv jhujjj t okk ko pouyhv. hiihh. bblbbbblnnn.
Love Aurora and Joe

Hope all goes well today I have said a prayer for the both of you. You both are amazing people to have in my life and work for.
schyler
P.S. EVERYONE AT THE STORE SAID A PRAYER FOR YOU AND SAYS GOOD LUCK

Dear Mike and Malinda,
We are praying for you. We know that you are good hands and will soon be back home chasing Aurora and the boys around. They're so delightful!
God is with you. He holds you in his loving arms.We love you. Feel our hugs!
We'll be watching for new info and will be keeping Mom and Dad and Aunt Nina in the loop.
Mom and Dad send their love and prayers.